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Cuba

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Cuba. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Havana

Head of State

President Miguel Díaz-Canel

Head of Government

Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the media in New York on Wednesday. Photo: Pool via Reuters

2026 Xi-Trump summits

Rubio defends Xi’s US visit as essential despite deep disagreements

US secretary of state says Taiwan arms sales must be weighed against America’s military needs and voices hope Vladimir Putin will attend G20.

24 Sep 2026 - 5:42AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

‘To the victor belong the spoils’: Trump touts ‘America is back’ agenda at UN

23 Sep 2026 - 1:43AMvideocam

Donald Trump

South Park creators ‘rename’ show to ‘South America’ in jab at Trump

10 Sep 2026 - 5:34AM

United States

As I see it | The US’ dangerous reversion to imperialism in Latin America

Washington aims not only to counter growing Chinese influence but to reestablish hegemonic control in the region.

4 Sep 2026 - 8:30PM

Clouds form over pumpjacks and power transmission towers on Lake Maracaibo, one of the world’s richest petroleum-producing regions, in Cabimas, Venezuela, on September 1. The US has secured effective control over 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves. Photo: AP

US-China relations

China demands rights guarantee as US firm secures 100-year Venezuelan oil deal

Call follows news that Caracas authorities have granted concessions covering 17 oilfields with proven reserves of about 65 billion barrels.

1 Sep 2026 - 8:30PM

China-Latin America relations

Brazil’s China borrowing, Colombia quake aid: 7 Latin America relations reads

From corruption allegations to US sanctions and Trump allegations, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in August 2026.

31 Aug 2026 - 10:00PM

China-Latin America relations

US targets China’s telecoms grip in Venezuela with new sanctions carve-out

Move could test Huawei and ZTE’s long-standing foothold as Washington extends its China reach from oil to another strategic sector.

25 Aug 2026 - 6:17AMvideocam

Chinese telecommunication companies like Huawei could be marginalised after the US authorised new investment in Venezuela’s telecom sector. Photo: Shutterstoock

US-China relations

DJI Pentagon battle, ‘Chinese Schindler’: 7 US-China relations reads

From a Chinese AI surprise to US defence bill, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in the first half of August 2026.

17 Aug 2026 - 10:00PM

China-Latin America relations

Rodriguez’s Castro tribute tests Venezuela’s balancing act between US and China

Beijing retains commercial interests in Venezuela even as analysts see Washington curbing its political and strategic influence.

17 Aug 2026 - 10:33PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

Beijing official hails China and Cuba as ‘good brothers’ in show of solidarity

Liu Haixing, who heads party’s international department, says ties are at ‘unprecedented new height’ during talks with counterpart in Havana.

10 Aug 2026 - 7:30PMvideocam

Havana was again plunged into darkness when the power grid collapsed last week. Photo: EPA

China-Latin America relations

US sanctions Cuba’s military representative in Beijing over China procurement

Measures target officials and firms accused of obtaining military equipment from China and Russia for Cuba’s armed forces.

7 Aug 2026 - 10:17PMvideocam

Left to right: Cuban Ambassador to China Alberto Blanco Silva, Chinese Major General Ye Jiang and Cuban First Colonel Waldo Perez Cortes pose during a 65th anniversary celebration in Beijing in September 2025. Photo: Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX)

China-Latin America relations

Cuban spy-base allegations, new Trump tariffs: 7 Latin America relations reads

From global soybean market updates to China’s best trade partners, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in July 2026.

4 Aug 2026 - 10:00PM

US-Cuba relations

Cuba plunged into darkness again as power grid collapses

Total failure leaves millions without electricity amid severe fuel shortages, ageing infrastructure and US sanctions.

3 Aug 2026 - 1:43PM

US-Cuba relations

Cuba says nearly three-quarters of hotels have shut as travel plunges

Havana details scale of industry collapse for the first time amid severe economic crisis and energy blockade.

30 Jul 2026 - 1:49PM

A bicycle taxi decorated with a US flag passes in front of the Havana Capitol. Photo: AFP

Donald Trump

Raul Castro absent as Cuba marks revolutionary anniversary

For the first time in over 30 years, the 95-year-old ex-president skips the July 26 rally.

27 Jul 2026 - 11:34AM

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and other officials on Sunday. Photo: EPA

China-Latin America relations

US claims 3 China-linked spy sites in Cuba monitoring American military activity

State Department report alleges Beijing and Moscow regard Cuba-based facilities as among their ‘most critical foreign listening posts’.

24 Jul 2026 - 11:09PMvideocam

Americas and the Caribbean

Cuban dissident artist Otero Alcantara lands in US exile

One of the most prominent figures in Cuba’s new dissident movement, Otero Alcantara had just completed a five-year sentence on the island.

19 Jul 2026 - 7:18AMvideocam

US-China relations

Trump’s fiery speech accuses China of US election interference – as it happened

Trump’s speech focused on Chinese interference in domestic politics, called out local TV networks and mentioned Iran war once.

17 Jul 2026 - 12:06PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump gestures after addressing the nation from the East Room of the White House in Washington on Thursday. Photo: AP

United States

US to focus counterterrorism efforts on left-wing groups, Rubio says

Critics, however, fear that ‌designating groups as far-left terror organisations risks targeting lawful protests and political opponents.

17 Jul 2026 - 6:42AMvideocam

China-Africa relations

How overlapping US and China sanctions are complicating business in Africa

Compliance inquiries surge as broad range of industries at risk, spanning mining, banking, telecoms, technology, energy and infrastructure.

11 Jul 2026 - 3:36PMvideocam

United Nations

At UN, Cuba rallies support against ‘cruel’ and ‘ruthless’ US blockade

Cuba’s foreign minister slammed the blockade’s ‘collective punishment’ of the population but the US envoy insisted ‘there is no blockade’.

8 Jul 2026 - 9:39AM

An old US car drives past a building at risk of collapse in Havana. Photo: AFP

US-Cuba relations

More hardship in fuel-starved Cuba, hit by third nationwide blackout this year

Cuba’s president slams Washington’s ‘strangulation’ of communist island as grid collapse leaves 9.6 million without power.

7 Jul 2026 - 1:07PM

A woman walks on a street in Havana carrying a fan as Cuba endures another power failure. Photo: Reuters

China-Latin America relations

Aid for Venezuela, China-Colombia ties: 7 Latin America relations reads

From Argentina’s move towards Beijing to Lula’s beef deal, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in June 2026.

2 Jul 2026 - 10:30PM

Venezuela

Venezuela earthquakes draw aid from governments that cut ties with Caracas

Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and other governments that suspended relations with the country offer rescue teams and humanitarian aid.

26 Jun 2026 - 8:52PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

US targets Cuba mining sector to block use of China-linked supply chains

Washington revealed sanctions on foreign-backed mining ventures on Tuesday, which Havana slammed for being ‘dishonest and mendacious’.

24 Jun 2026 - 4:47AMvideocam

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions on Tuesday against Cuba's state-owned mining company GeoMinera, which oversees foreign-backed mining ventures. Photo: AP

Americas and the Caribbean

Mexico seeks to restart oil shipments to energy-starved Cuba

President Claudia Sheinbaum plans to resume critical fuel deliveries using commercial firms that have permits.

23 Jun 2026 - 11:18AM

A man inspects a car in Havana as a humanitarian aid ship arrives in port. Photo: AFP

Obituaries

Ramiro Valdes, key figure of Cuban revolution and Castro ally, dead at 94

The architect of Cuba’s state security apparatus and former vice-president was one of the final veterans of the 1956 rebel uprising.

22 Jun 2026 - 9:59AM

Vietnam

Asian Angle | When the US comes for Cuba, what can Vietnam do?

Vietnam has stood by Cuba for 60 years. Now Washington is raising the price of that friendship – and Hanoi must decide what it’s worth.

20 Jun 2026 - 3:00PMvideocam

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Cuba

Rubio defends Xi’s US visit as essential despite deep disagreements

US secretary of state says Taiwan arms sales must be weighed against America’s military needs and voices hope Vladimir Putin will attend G20.

‘To the victor belong the spoils’: Trump touts ‘America is back’ agenda at UN

South Park creators ‘rename’ show to ‘South America’ in jab at Trump

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}As I see it | The US’ dangerous reversion to imperialism in Latin America

Washington aims not only to counter growing Chinese influence but to reestablish hegemonic control in the region.

China demands rights guarantee as US firm secures 100-year Venezuelan oil deal

Call follows news that Caracas authorities have granted concessions covering 17 oilfields with proven reserves of about 65 billion barrels.

Brazil’s China borrowing, Colombia quake aid: 7 Latin America relations reads

From corruption allegations to US sanctions and Trump allegations, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in August 2026.

US targets China’s telecoms grip in Venezuela with new sanctions carve-out

Move could test Huawei and ZTE’s long-standing foothold as Washington extends its China reach from oil to another strategic sector.

DJI Pentagon battle, ‘Chinese Schindler’: 7 US-China relations reads

From a Chinese AI surprise to US defence bill, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in the first half of August 2026.

Rodriguez’s Castro tribute tests Venezuela’s balancing act between US and China

Beijing retains commercial interests in Venezuela even as analysts see Washington curbing its political and strategic influence.

Beijing official hails China and Cuba as ‘good brothers’ in show of solidarity

Liu Haixing, who heads party’s international department, says ties are at ‘unprecedented new height’ during talks with counterpart in Havana.

US sanctions Cuba’s military representative in Beijing over China procurement

Measures target officials and firms accused of obtaining military equipment from China and Russia for Cuba’s armed forces.

Cuban spy-base allegations, new Trump tariffs: 7 Latin America relations reads

From global soybean market updates to China’s best trade partners, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in July 2026.

Cuba plunged into darkness again as power grid collapses

Total failure leaves millions without electricity amid severe fuel shortages, ageing infrastructure and US sanctions.

Cuba says nearly three-quarters of hotels have shut as travel plunges

Havana details scale of industry collapse for the first time amid severe economic crisis and energy blockade.

Raul Castro absent as Cuba marks revolutionary anniversary

For the first time in over 30 years, the 95-year-old ex-president skips the July 26 rally.

US claims 3 China-linked spy sites in Cuba monitoring American military activity

State Department report alleges Beijing and Moscow regard Cuba-based facilities as among their ‘most critical foreign listening posts’.

Cuban dissident artist Otero Alcantara lands in US exile

One of the most prominent figures in Cuba’s new dissident movement, Otero Alcantara had just completed a five-year sentence on the island.

Trump’s fiery speech accuses China of US election interference – as it happened

Trump’s speech focused on Chinese interference in domestic politics, called out local TV networks and mentioned Iran war once.

US to focus counterterrorism efforts on left-wing groups, Rubio says

Critics, however, fear that ‌designating groups as far-left terror organisations risks targeting lawful protests and political opponents.

How overlapping US and China sanctions are complicating business in Africa

Compliance inquiries surge as broad range of industries at risk, spanning mining, banking, telecoms, technology, energy and infrastructure.

At UN, Cuba rallies support against ‘cruel’ and ‘ruthless’ US blockade

Cuba’s foreign minister slammed the blockade’s ‘collective punishment’ of the population but the US envoy insisted ‘there is no blockade’.

More hardship in fuel-starved Cuba, hit by third nationwide blackout this year

Cuba’s president slams Washington’s ‘strangulation’ of communist island as grid collapse leaves 9.6 million without power.

Aid for Venezuela, China-Colombia ties: 7 Latin America relations reads

From Argentina’s move towards Beijing to Lula’s beef deal, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in June 2026.

Venezuela earthquakes draw aid from governments that cut ties with Caracas

Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and other governments that suspended relations with the country offer rescue teams and humanitarian aid.

US targets Cuba mining sector to block use of China-linked supply chains

Washington revealed sanctions on foreign-backed mining ventures on Tuesday, which Havana slammed for being ‘dishonest and mendacious’.

Mexico seeks to restart oil shipments to energy-starved Cuba

President Claudia Sheinbaum plans to resume critical fuel deliveries using commercial firms that have permits.

Ramiro Valdes, key figure of Cuban revolution and Castro ally, dead at 94

The architect of Cuba’s state security apparatus and former vice-president was one of the final veterans of the 1956 rebel uprising.

Asian Angle | When the US comes for Cuba, what can Vietnam do?

Vietnam has stood by Cuba for 60 years. Now Washington is raising the price of that friendship – and Hanoi must decide what it’s worth.

As I see it | The US’ dangerous reversion to imperialism in Latin America